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Myrna-Lisa’s Myriad Pageant and Entertainment, in Partnership with Myrna-Lisa’s Guiding Light NPO Makes History Again in Year Two

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Turks and Caicos Islands – Myrna-Lisa’s Myriad Pageant and Entertainment, in conjunction with Myrna-Lisa’s Guiding Light, a non-profit organization established in honor of the late family matriarch Mrs. Myrna Mills-Gray, is proud to announce another historic milestone in their second year of operation. The family-owned and operated organization continues to make significant strides in youth development, pageantry, and community upliftment throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In 2024, the organization made history by achieving a first for the Turks and Caicos Islands—having two delegates represent the country in regional pageants: Miss Samantha Audain, former Miss Teen One Nation TCI, and Ms. Aaliyah Elliot, a former contestant. This landmark accomplishment further strengthened regional alliances across the Caribbean.

Adding to this success, Ms. Selena Grant, former Miss One Nation TCI, placed First Runner-Up in the Miss Global International Pageant, another first for the Turks and Caicos Islands. These accomplishments reflect the organization’s dual commitment to excellence in pageantry and meaningful community engagement.

A Day to Remember: Honoring Our Unsung Heroes

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, the organization hosted two landmark events:

  • The Inaugural All-Island Unsung Heroes Brunch
  • The Second Annual One Nation TCI Pageant

The brunch honored six pioneering Turks and Caicos Islanders, one from each island, for their exceptional contributions in various fields. Honorees received awards, gifts, and floral tributes presented by their loved ones in a heartwarming ceremony filled with inspiration, laughter, and pride.

2024–2025 Honorees:

  • Mr. W. Blythe Duncanson (Providenciales) – First local newspaper owner, still in operation today.
  • Mr. Lewellyn Handfield (North Caicos) – Renowned businessman and owner of Lew1 Shipping.
  • Mr. Ed Forbes (Grand Turk) – Celebrated for his boating and marine services.
  • Ms. Emily Malcolm (South Caicos) – Longstanding educator and community pillar.
  • Mrs. Janet Walkin (Middle Caicos) – Lifelong contributor to community development.
  • Mrs. Thelma Lightbourne-Kennedy (Salt Cay) – Known for her commitment to cultural preservation.

During her moving address, Founder and President Ms. Alicia Swann reflected on her childhood in South Caicos and paid heartfelt tribute to her family and the everyday heroes of her upbringing:

“The true heroes to me were the fishermen, the mechanics, my grandfather William Henry Mills, my grandmother who served the elderly, and my mother—a woman of faith and resilience. Celebrating our heroes while they are alive to feel the love and appreciation is one of my greatest honors.”

A New Chapter in Pageantry Excellence

The organization made history yet again during the pageant, this time crowning four queens—doubling last year’s count. These young women will represent the Turks and Caicos Islands in both regional and international competitions, while also actively participating in community service initiatives:

  • Miss One Nation TCI International – Ms. Shanice Fletcher
  • Miss Teen One Nation TCI International – Ms. Jay’niqua Wilson
  • Miss One Nation TCI Regional – Ms. Jenny Louis
  • Miss Teen One Nation TCI Regional – Ms. Rihanna Fulford

Outgoing queen Ms. Selena Grant expressed profound gratitude for the transformative opportunities provided during her reign and shared how her experience sparked a passion for youth empowerment and national pride. She recently launched her own non-profit, Barbara’s Lighthouse, in memory of her grandmother, the late educator Ms. Barbara Francis.

With reigns just beginning, the 2025 queens’ schedules are already packed with community events, pageants, and fashion shows. They are set to represent Turks and Caicos in an unprecedented eight regional and international competitions, up from three last year.

Fashion Forward: Supporting Local Creativity

Plans are already underway for the organization’s upcoming Fashion Week and pageants, with some exciting developments to be announced soon. Earlier this year, the organization successfully launched the Inaugural Turks and Caicos Islands Fashion Week, attracting regional and international designers, while proudly showcasing local talent.

This initiative is a vital part of the organization’s mission to open doors for local designers and artists by collaborating with stakeholders and creating sustainable platforms for exposure, networking, and business development in the creative industries.

Sponsors are:  The Hartling Group – Official Venue Sponsor for Turks and Caicos Islands Fashion Week; Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa; Ports of Call Resort; Barbetta Restaurant; Froggies on da Beach; Omar’s Beach Hut; Be You Spa; Gracebay Market; Aziza; 88.5 FM The Beat; Radio Turks and Caicos; Wellington Collections; Basic Essentials; Projetech, Conch Shack; HerbMe; Paula Rigby and daughter Apple Astwood (Mama P and Granddaughter) for bringing laughter to our All-island Unsung Honorees and guests and Flow.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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Health

TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

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(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.

Key Activities Included:

Educational Training Sessions

Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.

House Call Talk Show Feature

A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.

Red Fridays Awareness Campaign

Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.

Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run

In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.

Digital Health Education Campaign

To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.

Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment

While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:

  • Community-based education initiatives
  • Preventative screening and early detection programs
  • Lifestyle and wellness promotion
  • Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes

“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant.  “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”

For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc

About TCI Hospital

TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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